Springdale, AR Animal Ordinances: Pet Store Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Retail dog/cat sale
- permitted, not banned
- License risk
- denial or revocation for violations
- Cage rule
- room to stand, turn, stretch fully
- Definition trigger
- 2+ species sold as pets
Summary
Springdale does not ban retail pet sales or require adoption-only stores: instead it conditions a pet shop's business license on minimum sanitation, temperature, water, and cage-size standards under the animal code.
(a)In this section "pet shop" means any establishment that offers to sell two or more species of live animals with intent that they be kept as pets.(b)All pet shops, including pet shops run in conjunction with another holding facility, shall in addition to the other requirements of this chapter and other ordinances of the city, comply with the following minimum standards of this section. Failure to meet these standards shall be grounds for denial of a business license or revocation of a business license.(1)Hot water shall be available for washing cages and disinfecting, and cold water shall be accessible at the shop. Fresh water shall be available to all species at all times. Containers are to be cleaned and disinfected each day.(2)The room temperature of the shop shall be maintained at a level that is healthful for every species of animal kept in the shop.(3)All cages and enclosures are to be made of material for easy cleaning and disinfecting. Each cage must be of sufficient size that the animal will have room to stand, turn and stretch out to his full length. (Ord. No. 4409, § 1, 4-13-10)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 145).
Full Breakdown
Section 14-16 defines a 'pet shop' as any business selling two or more species of live animals meant to be kept as pets, and imposes minimum operating standards rather than a sales ban: hot and cold water for cleaning, daily disinfection of containers, fresh water available at all times, room temperature kept healthful for every species housed, and cages built for easy cleaning with enough room for each animal to stand, turn, and stretch to full length. These standards apply on top of the chapter's other animal-welfare rules and the city's separate business-licensing ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Failing to meet the sanitation, temperature, or cage-size standards is grounds for the city to deny or revoke the pet shop's business license under § 14-16(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springdale require pet stores to sell only rescue or shelter animals?
What can the city do if a pet shop violates these standards?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springdale
Compare Springdale to another location·View the Arkansas animal ordinances overview
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